Creating a Policy For Your Company Mascot Performers

Creating a Policy For Your Company Mascot Performers

Every position has a code of conduct. In business, employees are expected to conduct themselves in a fashion that not only allows them to complete their job duties, but reflects well on their employer. Frontline employees often have stronger codes of conduct because they represent your business, and by extension your brand. Your company mascot represents your brand like few other employees can, and as such, needs a clearly defined code of conduct. Here are a few ground rules for writing your own company mascot code of conduct.

Performance Standards

Your company mascot code should have a core mission statement. The mission statement should include an overview of your company values, who your core market/target audience is, what duties your mascot will be performing, and what kind of performance is expected along with the character they will be playing.

Safety Standards

Performing as a company mascot can be a dangerous job without proper precautions. However, you can reduce the risk be having safety standards in place. First explain how the costume itself can limit vision or range of motion so your performer knows what they physically cannot do. Also list any conditions that make one unable to do the job (i.e. a heart condition). Make breaks a part of the performance so mascots get a chance to cool off and stay hydrated. Lastly, make sure they are aware of how to safely interact with the audience. This means being aware of surroundings, how to interact with children, and communicating with a handler who is out of costume.

Sobriety

This goes without saying, but you need to be very clear that smoking, drinking, and other drug use is not allowed. An impaired performer is a disaster waiting to happen and even a hangover can lead to dehydration and is a safety and performance hazard. Cigarette smoke smells and easily sticks to a costume, and sparks can cause costume damage.

Nuts And Bolts

Other things to include in your policy include the following:

What to do with the costume itself when it’s not in use, where to store it, and whom is responsible for it.

Social media policy (odds are you don’t want your mascot appearing at an after hours party).

Management structure and chain of command. Basically who reports to who and who should a performer seek out for questions, concerns, reporting, and the like.

Responses To Violations

Finally, it may sound outlandish, but remember that being in a mascot costume does not give anyone license to behave irresponsibly – quite the opposite, in fact – especially when representing your company. Be clear about disciplinary action if the company mascot code of conduct is violated. This can include a warning (verbal or written) or in extreme cases, termination from the position.

Conclusion

When you need a one of a kind company mascot, you need to go to the experts. Hogtown Mascots has been creating high quality company mascots for over ten years. With our experience and devotion to customer satisfaction you can rest assured your mascot will stand out from the crowd. Contact us today!